2026 Winter Paralympics Underway Amidst Protest and Athlete Hope

The XIV Winter Paralympic Games commenced in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Friday, February 6, 2026, with an opening ceremony held in the ancient amphitheater of Verona [1]. The Games will continue until Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Czech Delegation Boycotts Ceremony in Protest

The Czech delegation, comprised of a record 24 athletes this year, boycotted the opening ceremony in Verona to protest the full participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes [1]. This action follows the ongoing suspension of the Russian and Belarusian Olympic Committees due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, yet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed athletes from these nations to compete as “Individual Neutral Athletes” [1].

Athlete Spotlight: Simona Bubeníčková and Carina Edlingerová

The Czech Republic is hoping to end a medal drought that has persisted since the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver [1]. Seventeen-year-old Simona Bubeníčková, a blind cross-country skier and biathlete, is considered a strong medal contender [1].

Also vying for a leading position is Carina Edlingerová, who previously represented Austria and won Paralympic gold in the ski sprint at the 2022 Beijing Games [1]. She earned three bronze medals at recent world championships.

Hockey Team Pursues Paralympic Success

The Czech hockey team, after securing three bronze medals at the world championships, is aiming for Paralympic success at the 2026 Winter Games [1].